Chinatown and Little Italy, Edmonton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chinatown and Little Italy
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Business revitalization zone
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The Harbin Gates marks the entrance to Chinatown South.
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 Chinatown and Little Italy, Edmonton
Location in Edmonton
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| Country |  Canada |
| Province |  Alberta |
| City | Edmonton |
| Quadrant | NW |
| Ward | 6 |
| Neighbourhoods | McCauley and Boyle Street |
| Elevation | 668 m (2,192 ft) |
Chinatown and Little Italy are special areas in Edmonton, Canada. They are known as a "business revitalization zone," which means they are places where businesses work together to make the area better for shopping and visiting. These areas are home to Edmonton's historic Chinatown and Little Italy communities, located in the McCauley and Boyle Street neighbourhoods.
Contents
Exploring the History of Chinatown and Little Italy
Early Beginnings of Chinatown
The first Chinese person to settle in Edmonton was a man named Chung Kee (also known as John Kee). He arrived in May 1890 and started a laundry business. By 1899, there were only 13 Chinese men in Edmonton, running a restaurant and two laundries.
In the early 1900s, a small Chinatown began to form. Chinese merchants opened businesses near what is now 97 Street and 101A Avenue. By 1911, the Chinese population in Edmonton grew to 154 people. By 1921, it reached 518 people. Even with this growth, Chinese people made up only about 1% of Edmonton's total population.
Chinese Community and Historical Events
In 1911, many Chinese residents in Edmonton celebrated the Xinhai Revolution in China. This revolution led to the end of the old imperial rule. A famous leader, Sun Yat-sen, visited Calgary in February 1911, though he did not come to Edmonton.
In 1913, some Chinese Edmontonians formed a group called the "Dare to Die Brigade." They wanted to go to China to support Sun Yat-sen. They were trained by Morris Cohen, also known as General Two-Gun Cohen. However, they never got to go to China because Sun Yat-sen went to Japan. In 1914, at the start of the First World War, the Brigade offered to fight in Europe, but their offer was turned down. When Dr. Sun Yat-sen passed away in 1925, a large memorial service was held in Edmonton.
Modern Chinatown and Little Italy
Today, Edmonton's Chinatown has two main parts. Chinatown South is the older section. You can easily spot it by the beautiful Harbin Gate and other Chinese-themed decorations. Chinatown North is just north of Chinatown South. This area also has a strong Vietnamese presence. It connects to the "Avenue of Nations" (107 Avenue), which is a multicultural street running along the northern edge of both Chinatown and Little Italy.
The smaller area of Little Italy is located a few blocks east of Chinatown. While it used to be a main area for Italian families to settle, it is now mostly known as a vibrant shopping district.
Chinatown & Little Italy Business Association
The Chinatown & Little Italy Business Association works to promote and improve these unique areas. They help local businesses and make the neighbourhoods welcoming for everyone.
